December 2021

 As you can see, I have a HUGE collection of Christmas ornaments. I love ornaments.. I collect them. Mom gave me a lot of mine from when I was a kid.. including a 1985 babys first christmas ornament ;) I buy a new ornament every year for the kids, that has to do with something they loved or an activity they did that year. And I go to Hallmark a few weeks after Christmas when the ornaments go 75 percent off and pick up even more! I love that I will have several to send off with the kids when they leave home.. and they can have a head start on their own trees. Well anyway, I have so many ornaments now that I finally covinced hubby to get me an extra tree! So on black friday this past year we bought 2 artificial trees from Lowe's and I LOVE THEM. We are used to getting real trees and I love them.. but we were tired of the mess, and throwing away the money. We bought them pre-lit, so Arnold didn't have to put the lights on either! It was a win for everyone ;) 

I did one tree "traditional" which just looked like normal. 

Brooke and I decided to make our extra tree a BRIGHTLY colored theme and I love it! We went ahead and picked out all our ornaments that were teal, lime green, pink, etc and I picked up a few new things to fit the theme. I now might need a 3rd tree to do a new theme next time ;) 

Rachel had her very first band concert! They all did a great job and we were proud. Since it was near Christmas they played some christmas songs, too. Rachel is not into dressing up, but they made them dress nice for the concert.. so we went out and got a dress for her and she looked SO grown up! Im thankful she let me get a pic of her that night ;) 

I finished up my classes for the fall semester! The exams were a little tough.. there was a lot to remember. But I ended the classes with A's and B's and I am happy! 

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I loved hanging out with Arnold and Sheldon at night, and the living room all lit up with the trees. 

Brooke had her winter concert also. She has changed out instruments due to having a hard time with a few things, and changing seasons of band, so she now knows how to play 3 different instruments! 

We had to get a pic at the highschool with their tall christmas tree! ;)

For our december date night, Arnold and I went downtown to see Christmas Vacation on the big screen! We of course have seen it a million times, but something about seeing it at the actual theatre, and eating popcorn and candy... makes it more fun. They also have the downtown area all lit up at Christmas time so it was kinda romantic! And of course we took pics ;) 

Instead of going home right after the movie, we were spontaneous and went into a local restaurant/bar right near the movies. Arnold got some beer and food and I got a dessert. And we just hung out for awhile. We are never out that late and we felt so old haha. 

Brooke and Caleb were in several parades during the season.. Brooke with band and Caleb with ROTC. I love seeing Caleb all dressed up! They have to stay so serious during the parade.

Brooke always knew I was watching her and taking pics and would always laugh 

After one of the day parades we went to lunch after at a great BBQ place and I had Arnold take a pic of us outside the building. 

One day we went to visit mom and dad and went to lunch at their country club. They put a huge Christmas tree up every year so of course I had to have a picture there too ;) 

Brooke started cheering at basketball games. She has gotten to go up in the air several times and has really grown and gotten stronger! 

Arnold and I have started doing puzzles together (I told you we were old!!) We have recently done one with colorful donuts, and one with dogs. 

When I saw these baby Yoda Christmas pjs, I just knew I had to get them! Never watched a star wars movie in my life, but did get attached to baby yoda when Arnold and Caleb watched the Mandalorian :)

Brooke got a new outfit and wanted to take another photo shoot, lol. We went down to the new bridge they built in our town and took some there. 

Arnold took this one and I played around with the colors and I love it! She looks way too grown up! 

Ruby had her spay surgery. She did really well! She came home and laid around for a little bit, but she was right back to wanting to be crazy and energetic. She can be a hyper cat! She came home in one of those cones on her head and managed to get herself out of it! She is nuts. 

Caleb took all of the Christmas money he got from people and the money hes made working at home for us, and bought an Occulus. It's a virtual reality machine. I didn't know much about them, but it seems pretty awesome! I saw they have some workout type games, so I might have to steal it from him sometime ;) The only thing is you need a lot of room to move around, and you have to be careful not to run into tables and doors and stuff :D

My sister in law and I had planned on us all making and decorating cookies when they visited at Christmas, but we ran out of time.. so we took the stuff home and decorated some with the kids AFTER christmas. Its still ok, right?!

Doesn't Arnold look so excited to be having family bonding time?! :D

Christmas 2021!

On Christmas Eve, we went to our church's candlelight service. They had it outside and it was cold, but it was so fun. My brother, sister in law and nephew got into town and were able to join us! We all sat down on a row together and then I happen to see Katie!! I wasn't sure if shed be at church that night or not, so it was a happy surprise. I already love Christmas time, but looking down the row and behind me, at my family, and one of my closest friends, who I didn't know would make it to Christmas this year... I honestly started crying a little. Arnold jokes that I am way too emotional, but it really was the perfect evening. They had some amazing musicians play, including a girl that seriously sounded like she could be playing on a radio station.. so talented!! Poor Arnold was freezing because Rachel stole his coat, so we were cuddled under my coat together :) Anyway, as the sun started to set and we sang to Christmas carols, I was so happy.. it was the perfect evening :)

My brother's family lives in Charleston, so we only get to see them a few times a year. They were able to come in to stay at mom and dad's house for a few days. My nephew Roman had started walking since we saw him last, so It was fun to watch him run around and check everything out. I love to take pictures, as everyone knows.. and sometimes the best ones are when the people don't even know I'm taking it. Love this pic of my brother and nephew :)

We played the saran wrap ball game for the first time this year! I now see what the hype is about, it was so fun! It was hilarious to watch everyone try to tear that thing apart before the timer ran out. My sister in law wrapped up a bunch of little treats and wrapped over and over again in saran wrap until it was a huge ball. Then we passed it around the family and tried to tear it apart while wearing mittens, and it is harder than it looks! Whatever falls out while its your turn you get to keep! Roman was watching us like we were crazy people!!! :) 

We got a family picture of us in mom and dad's living room. We were trying to go with a black theme which isn't very Chrsitmasey but I do what I can with these picky teens! :D

My sister in law said she had a tradition growing up of having a birthday cake for Jesus, and I wanted to carry on the tradition for her since they usually come visit us every year now. So I ordered a cake to take over there. Mom also ordered a carrot cake which my brother really likes. So after we had dinner, (which was moms homemade lasanga!!) we all had some cake too, and hung out until late!

Now that we have teenagers, they aren't AS excited to get up REALLY early on Christmas morning, so we got to sleep in! When the kids finally got up, we handed out the gifts. Brooke has become really girly and is obsessed with shoes and purses. I tried to find some shoes she really wanted this year, but they were sold out everywhere. So I decided to surprise her and get her her first designer purse. I went online and looked, and they happened to be having a sale, so I was able to get one at a decent price. They are priced outrageously in my opinion.. I was never a designer purse person.. but I knew shed love it. I even paid a few dollars extra to have it wrapped in the fancy box and bow. She was so surprised!!! She was so happy and kept thanking us, and she wore it that very day. 

Caleb wanted these fancy wireless headphones for his video games. Hey did I mention teenagers have expensive wants?! LOL. But he was very thrilled as well that he got these. 

Rachel didn't really ask for a big item this year so we got her a bunch of Roblox giftcards. Im sure a lot of you have heard of that craze.. shes all about her games. 

Around lunch time we went back to mom and dads house and started opening presents. I love to spoil my little nephew and get him lots of fun stuff. I probably overdid it on the loud and irritating toys this year.. but isn't that what aunts are for?!!! (Sorry Alex and Christina!!) 

When you are trying to get a nice pic with your husband but you both keep acting silly and people around you are distracting, so you end up with this! And Rachel laughing in the background makes it even better ;)

My grandpa is almost 90, and we are blessed to still have him around with us! He was over at mom and dads also, hanging out and eating with us. 

My sister in law and family got me some fun gifts off my wishlist on amazon.. new books, calendars and a cellphone case with cats and books on it... totally up my alley! :D

One of the things mom got me was a Pioneer woman throw pillow! I had seen this in the store but never picked it up. Mom and dad give me such a hard time about my obsession, but they are pretty good sports and still sometimes gift me her stuff ;) 

My sweet nephew Roman!!! Isn't he just precious? Love that smile. He is holding a teeny tiny Nike jacket we got him. Why is everything tiny so cute?! I love buying baby/toddler clothes! 

It was Ruby's first Christmas and she loved it!! She wasted no time jumping into boxes and hiding underneath used wrapping paper :D

Max also had a great time... he sat right down in the middle of the mess and watched everyone open presents :) 

2022 Goals and Resolutions!

 

1. Lose weight. I did not do so well last year on my weight-loss journey. My doctor started me on a shot to help me, but I had trouble staying consistent with taking it. Every time you miss some days you have to start all over. So I basically kept losing and gaining the same 20 lbs or so all year. I talked to my dr again and she started me on another shot that you only have to take once a week, so I think this will be a lot easier for me. I never struggled until my 30s.. I gained a lot since taking certain medications, and it has been so hard to lose. But I'm hoping this will finally be the year I can get the weight off. 

2. Read 80 books. I set my goal at 75 books last year and I met that goal and read 9 more books after that! I wanted to up my goal a bit but not go crazy, so I thought 80 would be a good number. I have SO many books both at home and on my kindle that I have bought during good deals/sales, and I just have to get to reading them! 

3. Monthly date with Arnold. Arnold and I did great with this goal last year, and I hope it continues. Now that the kids are older, it is much easier to slip away for a date every month. And actually, sometimes we meet for lunch while the kids are at school and have a day date! I truly believe dating your spouse is important. One day when the kids are grown and gone, it'll be just you and him, and you don't want your closeness and friendship to slip away. 

4. Trip to Charleston. As most of you know, I am getting a new baby nephew in April! (or around there!) We plan to go to Charleston to visit him soon after hes born, if everything goes as planned. We went in September to meet Roman, soon after he was born, and it was so fun! 

5. Throw Brooke an awesome sweet 16 party. I don't even want to think about the fact that my baby will be 16 this summer. However, it is my time to shine! Everyone knows I love planning parties, and this one should be so fun. Better start planning/saving soon since I have lots of big ideas ;) 

6. Read through the whole Bible. This is another thing I didn't do as well on last year. I was trying to make it through the one-year bible. Arnold and I were reading it together and we were going really strong for awhile.. then we got behind and never started back up. I have read lots of parts of the Bible and know plenty of Bible stories from growing up, but I have never read the entire thing and I really want to! 

7. Spend more time with friends. Things have been so busy the past few years since a lot of us have gone back to work and/or college and I don't see my close friends as much as I want to. We actually saw each other more when the kids were really small! I hope this year I can plan more game nights and girl nights out like I used to, because time with friends is very important for your mental health! 

8. Blog more often. Not much explanation here, I just want to get back into blogging more like I did years ago. I want to have the stuff to look back on in the future! 

9. Call/visit my parents more. I'm very blessed that my parents only live about 15/20 minutes away from us, and we do basically get to see them when we want to. But I am trying hard not to take things for granted anymore, especially after this past year and watching people lose their parents and spouses to Covid. I can't imagine a world without my parents in it, I don't even want to think about it. So I'm going to try harder this year to make the call or the quick visit. 

10. Buy new living room furniture. This will depend on how finances go this year, but we really need some new couches! In a dream world I'd also love an entry way table... and to replace our front door... and yeah, the list could go on and on! There is always something that can be fixed/updated when you own a house! 

11. Go to church on a regular basis. I've gone to church my whole life, ever since I was a little baby. I know the importance of being there, around other believers, and soaking up the word and the lessons. Lately I had been getting slack on going though... we did find a new church that we really love. A lot of times we might just hang back at home and watch online, but it is always so much better in person! This year I want to really try to get out there every week, unless something big comes up. 

12. Cook more at home. Haha. Yes I know everyone is laughing at this. I hate to cook. I am not the FANCIEST cook, but I CAN cook. We have a horrible habit of just eating out or picking food up, especially on nights were already busy or tired. But that can get so expensive, and unhealthy. I want to do better this year and cook more at home. Might not be the greatest gourmet meals ever, but at least we will save money! 

All About 2021!

1. What did you do in 2021 that you have never done before? Went to Nashville! Got a female Pet (Ruby rules the house! ;) 

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2022? I kept some of them. Did pretty well with going on dates with hubby every month. Started strong on the yearly bible but didn't finish. Hit my book goal. 



3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2021? No but I found out im getting a new nephew!



4. Did anyone close to you die in 2021? No, thank goodness! For awhile we thought we were losing my close friend, Katie, but she recovered! So thankful!

5. What states/countries did you visit this year? Hubby and I went to Tennessee in April. We took the kids to Pigeon Forge in June. 

6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021? More motivation to lose this weight. More confidence. 


7. What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day Caleb started highschool. The day I got to go to Katie's welcome home party :) The day Brooke made the cheer team. 


8. What was your biggest struggle in 2021? Trying to lose weight. Trying to not let things get to me as much. Watching the kids grow up even more and get closer to adulthood. 


9. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2021? We all got covid early on in the year. Thankfully we didn't get severe cases and all recovered pretty well. 



10. What was the best thing you bought this year? New floors for our kitchen! 


11. Whose behavior merited celebration? Brooke made the cheer team! She also stayed in marching band and managed to make straight A's! She has worked so hard and did so well! 


12. Whose behavior disappointed you? Really sad that a lot of my bio family still doesn't want to meet :(


13. Where did most of your money go? To bills, food (teens eat a ton) lol, amazon and target purchases (oops!) and money spent on updating our kitchen. 


14. What did you get really really excited about this year? Hitting the 15 yr milestone with Hubby. Being surprised with a new wedding ring :) Brooke making the cheer team. Brooke getting to be in the Charlotte parade and be on tv. Going on a family vacation. Going back to college. Finding out Im going to be an Auntie again! 


15. What song will always remind you of 2021? Soul Singing by Black Crowes. 


16. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, much nicer or richer? Id say happier-- things are getting a little more back to normal after Covid. Kids are in school full time and without masks. 


17. What do you wish you had done more of? Spent more time with my friends. 


18. What do you wish you had done less of? Been in pain due to my IC condition they finally diagnosed me with this year! 


19. Did you fall in love in 2021?
More in love with Hubby ;) 

20. What was your favorite TV Program in 2021? Ted Lasso, Only Murders in the Building, and Never Have I Ever were all SO GOOD! 

21. What was the best book you read this year? The Wish by Nicholas Sparks 

22. What was your greatest musical discovery this past year? I am LOVING We the Kingdom! They have some awesome Christian music! 


23. What did you want and get? A kitchen remodel! I have waited so long! 

24. What was the best movie you saw this year? We didn't watch a lot of movies, but Arnold and I watched both Red Notice and Vacation with Friends and they were pretty good. 


25.What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn? I had a pioneer woman themed party with family and friends! 


26. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying? Getting to meet my bio brother. 

27. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? About the same as always, lots of cute tops or sweaters and jeans. Lots of accessories :) 


28. What kept you sane this year? Jesus, my hubby, my mom, my friends 

29. What celebrity did you fancy the most? Cant think of anyone new......


30. Who did you miss this past year? I wish I could have seen Alex, Christina and Roman more! 


31. Who were the best new people you met this year? I enjoyed getting to know some kids and their families that Brooke knows through school and all her activities. We also have a new pastor and he is awesome! 

32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year: Do NOT take your loved ones for granted! I thought I was losing a friend earlier in the year and I am so thankful she is still here today! I also watched a lot of people sadly lose their parents or spouses, mostly due to Covid. I am trying my best now to cherish all the time I have with my loved ones, because you never know! 

November Review!

 On Nov 1st Joseph turned 17 :) We usually do something to celebrate him every year, even though we can't be with him in person. Arnold and the kids took us out to eat at Carrabbas and we got a cake that said Happy Birthday Joseph. I also wrote a letter and sent it and some pics to him and his family. I hope we hear something back soon! 

Hes so handsome.. and so tall! I can see some Caleb in him. Everyone says he still looks like me, too. I just can't get over how fast time goes. Next year he'll be 18 and legally able to meet me if he chooses to. I am praying he decides to, even if its just for a day, where I can hug him and tell him how much I love him! :)

Brooke went to the fall sports banquet. This is her and her BFF Alayna

LOL embarrassing picture! I had to go to the dentist to get 3 cavities filled. I was lucky my whole life and didn't have any cavities at all and then in my 30s I got his with a ton! I have anxiety already but extra anxiety at the dentist. They offered me some medicine or laughing gas but I said I'd try to be brave, and I guess it wasn't too bad. I don't like the sounds of the drill! But they numbed my mouth up extra good and I didn't feel too much. Afterwards I rewarded myself with one of my favorites for dinner- Jimmy Johns :D

Finally got to do a girls night with my bff Jess! Life is so busy these days and I hardly get to see her. 

I found out that my biological grandfather was in the military and that he got a play a small part in a movie! I went to youtube and looked it up, found him, and then confirmed with my aunt that it was him. This is a screenshot. I think it is so cool that he was in the military and Caleb really wants to go into the military when hes older! I wish I could have met him! 

I finished my book challenge for the year! I had set my goal at 75 books and I made it! I guess I need a higher goal next year ;) I have been reading a lot of feel-good Christmas books lately! 

We live in a really small town and there is NOTHING to do around here, so we are so excited that we got a restaurant just down the road from our house! It is a mixup between a mexican restaurant and a pizza place. I love it because we can all go together and everyone can find something they can eat. I am sometimes picky about pizza but theirs is delicious!!! I am embarrassed to admit how many times we've gone already ;) 

Do you spy Ruby?! She is so silly. She likes to hide in spots throughout the house. Some of her favorite places to sit or sleep are in Arnold's chair at the kitchen table, in my bed, or on the stack of towels in the bathroom :)

Moving right along with my college classes! My final exams are in less than 2 weeks! I am going back to the beginning and reading everything again. I really, really hope I do well. I am really going to miss these classes, I really enjoy learning new things and I love the feeling when I get good grades! 

When I saw this turkey shirt online I knew I had to have it to wear during November ;)

Our sweet Brooke got to go with the marching band to Charlotte and be in the thanksgiving parade! It was actually the day before this year, and at night. And they showed the parade on tv!!! It was so cool to get to watch her, and her grandparents got to see her, too. A lot of the instruments were lit up, and they played Christmas songs. Brooke said it was a lot of fun, but she got really tired. It was cold that evening, but thankfully their uniforms are big and bulky and kept them warm! AND they had a contest called Battle of the Bands for all the bands that were in the parade.. and our school won!!! They won a trophy and $$$ to go towards the band program. So proud of these kids, they have worked so hard this year, and I enjoyed watching them perform this fall. 

We spent Thanksgiving day over at mom and dads house like usual. Mom let Caleb do the honors and carve his very first turkey! 

Thanks to Arnolds' tripod, a timer, and a gorgeous day outside, we were able to get a pretty good family pic! We used this one on our Christmas cards for this year.